HONG KONG — Chief Executive John Lee ordered the creation of an independent judge-led committee to investigate a catastrophic fire that killed at least 151 people at a public housing estate, marking the city's deadliest blaze in over seven decades. The fire, which ignited on Nov. 26 at the Wang Fuk Court complex in the Tai Po district, engulfed seven of eight 31-story towers that were wrapped in renovation scaffolding and took more than 2,000 firefighters nearly two days to extinguish. Officials have arrested at least 13 people, including construction company directors, for suspected manslaughter, while preliminary findings point to flammable construction materials and non-functioning fire alarms as key factors in the rapid spread and high death toll.

The scale of the disaster has triggered widespread public grief and anger, with survivors and victims' families demanding accountability. In a tense press conference, Lee promised comprehensive reform to prevent future tragedies but deflected a direct question about whether he should remain in his position. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform," Lee said. His announcement of an investigation follows reports that residents had lodged safety complaints about the renovation site for nearly a year.

A Rapid and Devastating Inferno

The fire began on the afternoon of Nov. 26 on bamboo scaffolding surrounding the 42-year-old housing complex. Covered in green mesh netting for ongoing renovations, the buildings acted like chimneys, allowing flames to race upward and jump between blocks with terrifying speed. The blaze escalated to a Level 5 alarm—the highest emergency rating—within hours.

Firefighters faced unprecedented challenges. Their equipment could only reach roughly halfway up the 31-story towers, and extreme heat, collapsing bamboo scaffolding, and dense debris hindered rescue efforts. One firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, died in the operation. Survivors described a desperate scene, with residents banging on neighbors' doors to warn them because the building's fire alarms did not sound. "The fire alarm didn't ring, otherwise my parents could have evacuated," said Mr. Au, who lost both parents in the fire.

Scrutiny on Materials, Oversight and Arrests

Investigators quickly focused on the construction materials used in the renovation. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki stated that tests revealed seven of twenty samples of the protective mesh netting failed to meet fire-retardant standards. He alleged cheaper, non-compliant netting was deliberately placed in hard-to-inspect areas, calling it a "shameful act". Preliminary investigations also identified highly flammable polystyrene foam panels used to seal windows on every floor, which fueled the fire's intensity.

The Hong Kong Labour Department confirmed it had received complaints about the site's safety and conducted 16 inspections since July 2024, issuing multiple written warnings about fire safety. Authorities have made a series of arrests. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and police have arrested at least 13 individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant from the main construction company, Prestige Construction & Engineering Co., on suspicion of manslaughter and corruption. The company's office was found closed following the disaster.

In a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups, police also arrested at least two civilians who had been petitioning for accountability. One was a 24-year-old student detained over an online petition making "four demands" for victim support and official accountability. Security Secretary Chris Tang stated police would take action against "inaccurate comments online" that threaten national security.

A Community in Mourning and a History of Warnings

The human cost is immense. The complex was home to about 4,600 residents, nearly 40% of whom were aged 65 or older, a demographic factor that officials believe contributed to the high number of fatalities. In addition to the confirmed dead, dozens remain missing. The disaster has evoked painful memories of past failures, with commentators and residents drawing parallels to the 2012 Lamma Island ferry disaster, where families spent over a decade seeking answers amid criticism of corporate and governmental accountability.

At the scene, impromptu memorials of white roses and lilies have grown, with notes questioning the loss of "innocent lives". The government has lowered flags to half-staff, announced emergency funds for affected families, and pledged to inspect all major renovation sites across the city. For a community in shock, the promised investigation offers a thread of hope for answers, but many await concrete action. As one bereaved man asked outside a shelter, "What is John Lee... doing? All he does is walk around and hold press conferences. What about us? We can't get any answer to our questions".